The iconic RedBud track plays host to round 7 of Lucas Oil Pro Motocross on Saturday.
Simon Cudby photo
Right off the bat, I have to give it up for Ryan Dungey. I suppose its not right to call him underrated because his resume is already one of the best ever, but he’s been overshadowed in 2013 by Ryan Villopoto. Dungey was able to beat him twice in supercross, but now the Red Bull KTM pilot has captured three out of the last four overalls. The “speed” we all like to talk about has increased after the break a few weeks ago, and coming into this Saturday he has to feel confident that he can win again. He has the speed, the starts and the machine to tighten the points lead again heading into another one-week break. Dungey has earned the respect and direct attention of everyone, including Villopoto. Those two have considerable leverage over everyone else, and in this division its looking like it is going to be a two-man fight all the way to the end.
The action in the 250 Class is some of the best in all of motorsports. The rookie rivalries, and four-man fight up front will be something to swing the t-shirts for all day Saturday. Who has the upper hand with these guys? Ken Roczen does. Eli Tomac has thrown in some of the fastest motos we’ve seen in a long time, but he hasn’t put together two motos yet. He still remains a guy that can produce a skeptical eyebrow raising with a bad start, or crash. Blake Baggett is almost back to his championship form, and Marvin Musquin will rebound from a mediocre Southwick showing and return to the front. Again, the rookies are putting on a show and something tells me that Adam Cianciarulo and Cooper Webb are going to be stuck together this weekend. Maybe even in the top five.
The fans at RedBud are a staple of the series.
Simon Cudby photo
Overall, this is one of the most special weekends of the year as America celebrates our Independence Day. I consider myself very patriotic and all BBQ’s, fireworks and flag waving aside, I think we have the most beautiful and diverse country in the world. Personally speaking, I have a new family and this is our first Fourth of July together. As a father I can feel this amazing new appreciation of being an American. The chest will be puffed out pretty far tonight holding our daughter watching fireworks. I want to wish all of the new Dads, and each and every one of you a safe and special holiday weekend. It’s going to be another awesome show this Saturday. The party will be raging Friday night and will spill over into the morning sunshine of practice. You’ll be hearing it all day if you’re there and all I have to say in closing is, REDBUD!!!!!!!!
Thanks for reading, see you next week.